Camden Corners Chronicle

 

Camden Corners Chronicle

Thanksgiving Day was a joyful time for all the residents of Camden Corners. Families enjoyed each others company while preparing and feasting on their turkey dinners with all the trimmings.

Cody Hill was taking advantage of his time off from the university and spending every moment possible with April Hawthorne. Cody had been blessed the day Professor Tanner became his benefactor and rescued him from the mountain life. The professor could see Cody was an intelligent young lad and was able to catch up to the other students in record time. The other children laughed at his hillbilly ways but Cody quickly fit in and because of his winning personality became one of the more popular students in his class. Cody met April Hawthorne shortly after his arrival in Camden Corners and they had been sweethearts ever since. April would be following Cody to the University the following September to study nursing.

Cody never forgot his beginnings or the hardships he and his extended family endured in the mountains. He would forever be grateful to the professor for rescuing him from that life. He thought about taking some food to the mountains but he knew it wouldn't be practical or welcomed. April suggested that they would be able to find needy families closer to home. She knew the town of Brenton had been hit with several hail storms over the summer. She had heard that those folks had their crops almost totally wiped out.

“Cody, Brenton is only about an hour away. Maybe we could arrange a group of our friends to help them out. It wouldn't take too long to get there if we left in the morning and we would all be home in time to celebrate with our own families.”

Cody thought that was a wonderful idea. In the next couple of days the twosome gathered their friends together to make a plan. The parents were so proud of their children for thinking of others and all contributed to the meals. The day before Thanksgiving was a busy time in Camden Corners. All the ovens were roasting turkeys, potatoes, corn and squash and baking an extra pie or two. Thanksgiving morning all the children, young and old were wrapping and boxing Thanksgiving dinners and placing them in buckboards and carriages.

The senior citizens who weren't preparing their own feasts that day were invited to join the group and proudly rode along with the young people. Anna and Lou Rossi had never celebrated the American Thanksgiving before and were enjoying being with their grandchildren on the trip to Brenton. Sheriff Mendenhall had alerted the sheriff of Brenton that Thanksgiving would be coming to town. The townspeople were filled with anticipation as the many carriages and buckboards rolled in bringing everything from soup to nuts. There wasn't an empty plate in Brenton that Thanksgiving Day and there wasn't an empty heart in all of Camden Corners.

Josie Blackburn, whose morning sickness had disappeared by late November, was able to enjoy her own Thanksgiving dinner that day. Although she and her sister didn't have any children going to Brenton, she thought it was a wonderful idea. That evening, Josie sat down and wrote an article about the generosity of the Camden Corners young people and about Cody and April who had the idea in the first place. She mailed it to the Greensboro News. She hadn't expected it would be on the front page of the paper but when she received her copy a few days later, she was aggravated to see only a very small portion of her article was squeezed between an ad for tooth powder and an announcement of a lost dog being returned to its owner.

“Reggie, Camden Corners needs its own newspaper”

“I think you are right my dear and if anyone can pull that off it's you.”

“Emma Crowley worked for the newspaper when she lived in Greensboro. I'm going to talk to her about it this morning.”

After breakfast she walked to Looking Back Antique Shop to see Emma.

“Josie, I think that is a wonderful idea. I did work for the paper but I only secured ads. Mr. Wilson didn't believe a woman was capable of anything more important than that. As a matter of fact I purchased an old printing press a year or so ago. I have been meaning to ask Randy Burke to take a look at it. Randy works often with Jonas on restoration and he does have a knack for fixing anything mechanical. Let's go take a look.”

The women walked to the storage building just behind the shop. The building was filled with treasures found at flea markets and auctions. Because everything was so well organized, Emma was able to walk right to the printing press. It was much larger than Josie anticipated.

“I'm not sure where I would find room to put it.” she said. “I didn't think about space and I will be operating on a shoestring. It did seem like a good idea but maybe I'd better rethink my plan.”

“Don't give up, I'm sure we can figure out something. You are right, Camden Corners needs a newspaper. Randy will be here this morning, I'm going to have him look at the press and we will go from there.

Word spread fast that Josie was thinking of starting a newspaper. The Hightower twins had not had any offers to buy their quilt shop and insisted Josie use it for the paper. The apartment upstairs would work out perfectly for the newspaper office with the printer on the main floor. Randy worked on the press and it was rolling again or would be when the first copy of the Camden Corners Chronicle was being printed.

Reggie had one of his more talented workman carve a sign to go above the door. Camden Corners Chronicle, Josephine Blackburn, Editor. Several of the local businesses bought advertising space. Josie had written several articles about local activities and friendly news about the residents. She wrote her first editorial reminding the citizens of Camden Corners to be careful about disposing of their cigar butts near where children are playing.

“I'll be a little more political as time goes on” she said to Reggie. “I don't want to offend anyone on the first day the paper goes out.”

Randy Burke was excited about print setting. After repairing the machine, he rode to the Greensboro News office to learn all he could about printing. It was a complicated process but he was shown the basics and was able to set up the Chronicle's printer.

Josie was busy working in the office when she heard Randy walking up the stairs. He was talking with a gentleman and stopped at Josie's door.

Josie asked the man to come in. He introduced himself as Percy Van Buren.

“I would like to see a sample of your newspaper as I plan to advertise continuously.”

Josie didn't feel comfortable about this man. He had a dishonest face and Josie could usually tell when someone was lying. Her instincts told her Mr. Percy VanBuren was not to be trusted.

“I'm sorry Mr. Van Buren. Our publication is not ready for distribution. If you would like to leave your advertisement with me I will be happy to include it in our next edition.”

“Madam, I will not place an advertisement in an unknown product. You must have a sample of the paper.”

“Mr. VanBuren, as I told you, our newspaper is not ready for distribution. I will gladly mail you a copy when it is.”

Mr. VanBuren left her office without leaving his advertisement.

“I wonder what he was up to?” Josie said to Randy. “That man gave me the willies.”

“I know what you mean,” said Randy. “I tried to tell him to wait downstairs until I announced him but he kept following me until we were at your door. I'm sorry Josie, I'll be more insistent next time.”

“That's fine Randy, it's not your job to police the area. Hopefully, we won't see him again.”

“The Chronicle has been put to bed.” Josie said to Reggie as he walked through the door of their home. “I have been waiting to say that for days,” she laughed.

“I'm really proud of you Josie. You make up your mind to do something and you do it. Seems it was only a short while ago that you were unhappy about the Greensboro News editing your article and now you are running a newspaper.”

“It will be distributed first thing in the morning. Billy and Butch Duesenberry will pick up the papers in front of the shop at 4:30 am. The vicar said he didn't mind getting them up so early and Kate hasn't been sleeping very soundly with the baby kicking her during the night. I can't wait to start feeling our baby move”

Reggie gently patted her tummy. He couldn't wait either. He knew he had to be the luckiest man on earth being married to Josie and expecting their child. He shuddered when he thought of how at one time he had his heart set on marrying Elena Malone.

At 4:28 am the following morning Billy and Butch stood in front of the old quilt shop. They each picked up a stack of papers. It was very dark and they couldn't see the print but knew they could see what it looked like when they took their family's copy home after they finished their rounds.

The boys arrived home 46 minutes later. Butch handed Will the paper as they sat down to eat the breakfast Kate had waiting for them.

Will donned his spectacles and let out a yelp. The boys stopped eating and Kate rushed to his side. The headline read. Looking Back Antiques selling cheap reproductions. The story went on to say that Emma Patterson and Lily Kramer were swindling people out of their hard earned money. Furniture repaired by Jonas Fulbright was falling apart due to shoddy workmanship. The article warned the unsuspecting public to stay away from the second rate shop. The byline read Josie Blackburn, Concerned Citizen and Editor.

At the Crowley house, Emma excitedly picked up the paper. Her chin dropped as she looked at the headline. Just then Lily knocked on the door. Emma opened it, they looked at each other and said in unison

“Harvey Wilson!”

Harvey had been a thorn in Emma's side for as long as she could remember. She worked for him at his newspaper in Greensboro until her grandfather died. Harvey took advantage of Amos Patterson and his deteriorating mental state. He forced Emma to give up the General Store Amos had built with his own hands, and when he learned Emma and Lily were making a success of their antique business he tried to swindle them out of that too. Harvey went too far and lost his businesses except for the Greensboro News. He knew someday he would be able to get his revenge on those two and that day had come. He hired Mr. Percy Van Buren to impersonate a prospective advertiser in the Camden Corners paper. While Percy was at the newspaper office he swiped a copy of the paper. It didn't take Percy and Harvey long to copy the paper with the new headline on the front page.

Arthur Preston had worked at Greensboro News for years. He'd tolerated Harvey Wilson and his questionable ways because he loved the newspaper business and he loved Greensboro. This latest dirty trick of Harvey's was the last straw though. He would have to make it right for his old friends Emma and Lily. Arthur gathered the original copies of the Chronicle from the trash barrel where Percy had dumped them and drove to Camden Corners prepared to redistribute them himself.

The townspeople were appalled that such things were said about the antique shop and its owners. They knew Josie Blackburn had nothing to do with it and anyone who knew Emma and the troubles she had with Harvey Wilson in the past were convinced that mean, vindictive man was behind it.

Arthur told Richard and Robert Crowley that he would be more than willing to testify against his boss. He was sure he had enough knowledge of dirty dealings to put the man away for years to come.

Arthur stopped by the newspaper office. He was impressed with what young Randy Burke had accomplished. He offered any assistance that may be needed in the future admitting that he may not be employed after his boss finds out he has turned on him.

The Duesenberry boys distributed the original paper that very afternoon.

Shortly after noon that day, Emma noticed the bell indicating there was a customer entering the shop was ringing continually. She came out from the back room to see people milling around the shop. Lily was busy pulling orders. Nettie and Ethel were helping customers and even Jonas was lending a hand with the crowd. Seems that in trying to cause harm to Emma and Lily's business, Harvey Wilson's deed was the best advertisement the girls could hope for. Percy not only made sure everyone in Camden Corners received a copy of the altered paper, he placed them in shops all around Greensboro and surrounding areas.

People who knew of Looking Back Antique Shop wanted to see the alleged shoddy workmanship with their own eyes. Those who hadn't been there before were curious and wanted to see for themselves what the shop had to offer.

For the next few weeks, Lily and Emma had more customers than they had ever had in the shop and sold more merchandise than ever before.

They were exhausted the day Harvey was called into court to face charges against him. Every one from Greensboro who was now living in Camden Corners made the trip that day.

Richard Crowley addressed the court. “Your honor, after careful consideration, my clients, Josephine Blackburn, Emma Crowley and Lily Crowley do not wish to press charges against Mr. Wilson. My client and wife, Emma Patterson Crowley requests the record reflect that Mr. Wilson's actions were beneficial to Looking Back Antiques in that the sales records following the unfortunate misprinting of the Camden Corners Chronicle were phenomenal and she and her partner, Lily Kramer Crowley appreciate Mr. Wilson's assistance.”

The scowl on Harvey's face was enough justice for all parties concerned.

The friends from Camden Corners gathered at one of their old favorite restaurants. Melvin Tanner announced he had been told by one of the newspaper board members that Mr. Harvey Wilson was asked to step down as president of the Greensboro News.

As the friends raised their glasses in a toast to the success of the Camden Corners Chronicle, Harvey Wilson was sitting alone in his mansion without a friend in the world.

A New Beginning Part 3

It was a crisp day. Emma and Lily were on their way to Camden Corners to check out the Antique Store that was for sale. They were both so full of anticipation and in their hearts they knew this venture would be a turning point in their lives. Emma was grieving for her grandfather and Lily was searching for adventure. Being Emma’s friend for all of her 22 years she had tagged along on enough of Grandpa’s treasure finds that she was able to spot a genuine antique when she saw one. She didn’t realize this at the time, but she had seen some beautiful pieces of furniture being transported from the old general store in Greensboro to the Fulbright farm and instinctively knew that some of those items were valuable. Lily had a good head for business and was the head of new accounts at the Community Savings Bank. She wasn’t unhappy in her job but she was looking for a little more excitement than she was finding in Greensboro. She found herself restless and dreaming of hopping a freight car and traveling out west to discover gold. She knew this wasn’t going to happen but it was fun to dream. Young women her age didn’t seek adventure, they were happy to settle down with a kind man and give her life to caring for him and raising his children. It wasn’t that she was lacking male attention. She had several would be beaus but none of them were of interest to Lily. Emma on the other hand wasn’t looking for adventure. She was happiest when she was scouring the vacated buildings and homes near the river. The spring floods and lack of work had driven most of the river dwellers from their sparse homes. Because they would leave in a hurry thanks to Mr. Harvey Wilson who was always at their door looking for his rent money, they would leave behind some of their most prized possessions. Emma would gather up all she could find and bring them home with her posting a note by the post office window in case one of the vagabonds happened to see it and wanted to claim their forgotten items.

The ladies finally arrived in Camden Corners and both were enchanted with the quaint village at first sight. Emma spotted the antique shop and knew this was her destiny. They hopped out of the buggy and gingerly approached the front door. Within a couple of minutes, a petite lovely woman who was obviously with child greeted them. She introduced herself as Edwina Van Dyke, sole proprietor of Looking Back Antique Shop. She invited the girls into the shop. They were overjoyed at first sight. Miss Edwina Smythe had owned the shop for 15 years after her parents had passed on and she was beginning to feel as though she was one of the antiques she was always trying to sell. It was in early January of the previous year when Mr. Wallace Van Dyke entered her store to purchase a settee for his ailing mother. Edwina and Wallace were immediately smitten with each other. Wallace sought out Miss Edwina’s only remaining male relative, her Uncle Clarence and asked if he may be allowed to court the fair Miss Edwina. They were united in marriage on Valentine’s Day and the following month Edwina was expecting their first child. Edwina’s inventory was somewhat diminished as she had other things on her mind. She was willing to sell the building and all of it’s contents for a price that was well within Emma and Lily’s budget and before they left the store, they had reached an agreement. Emma and Lily were beside themselves with excitement. Both knew they had taken a risk but both felt it was a risk worth taking.

Everything happened quickly after that. Edwina was anxious to finalize the sale of the shop in order to be home to await the birth of her baby. Emma and Lily were anxious to start their business. They were delighted with the design of the store. The shop had a bay window with ample room for several small tables that would be perfect for serving dainty desserts and sweets with a cup of tea in the afternoon. The girls toiled all through the summer into the fall fixing up the shop just the way they wanted it with new wallpaper and sparkling woodwork, new fixtures and an intimate, cozy tea room. They had arranged with Diana of Warm Hearth Bakery and Maddie from Tempting Treats Candies who were delighted the girls chose their establishments to provide sweets for their customers. After the shop was just the way they wanted it, they started making daily trips to Greensboro to select pieces from Amos’ collection. They were surprised to discover a beautiful mahogany Chippendale dining set, several Louis Phillipe fruit wood chairs and a Gothic revival tapestry settee. They cleaned and polished each piece lovingly and were rewarded with the beautiful results. There were full sets of Mason dishes in the Belvedere pattern, several sterling silver cigarette cards, an 18K Fusee pocket watch, every box and crate seemed to hold something unusual and valuable.

Uncle Jonas had been a farmer all his life but his hobby was repairing and refurbishing furniture. Ethel was an excellent seamstress and even with her eyesight not what it use to be, she could repair any piece of fabric to make it look like new. They were willing and more than anxious to lend a hand and their expertise as each piece was lovingly repaired and readied for display at the shop. Emma remembered the old cash register Mr. Warren had given her from Grandpa’s store. Emma cleaned and polish the old relic and found that it was a beautiful addition to the counter in the new store. It made her happy to know that a little part of Patterson’s General Store would now be with her in Camden Corners.  

Check back tomorrow to see what happens when the Antique Shop is "Open For Business".  The entire Camden Corners series is available on smashwords.com; Kindle & Nook.

A New Beginning ~ Part One

Emma Patterson works for the Greensboro Weekly News and Record. Greensboro is a small Community located on the shores of Lake Greensboro. Emma’s position with the paper is a jack of all trades with only herself and the editor, Mr. Harvey Wilson. Mr. Wilson is a crotchety old man and doesn’t see any reason to update his equipment or expand the paper to include anything but the fishing report and his editorial which is often the combined opinion of his fishing and checker playing cronies as they while away the hours at their favorite fishing spot or playing checkers by the pot belly stove in Patterson’s General Store. Emma is gathering advertising orders for this week’s edition. One request is announcing the sale of the Looking Back Antique Shop in Camden Corners. Something in that ad makes Emma stare at it again and again. A feeling of deja vu comes over her. The strange thing is that Emma has never been to Camden Corners. Emma has always enjoyed shopping for antiques, As a little girl she often joined her grandfather on trips to the country when one of the old timer’s belongings were put on the auction block for payment of back taxes or because the owner had passed on. Emma always felt a sadness as she walked through the old houses and barns knowing in her young heart that someone had been forced to give up their special things. Grandpa Amos sympathized but told her the treasures would give pleasure to someone new for many years to come. Grandpa owned the general store in Greensboro and the building it was in. The entire upstairs and most of the attic and basement were filled with treasures he had accumulated through the many years of his scavenger hunts. For several years he had a very active business going but as his health started to deteriorate and his mind wasn’t quite as sharp as it once had been, Grandpa seemed to buy more items than he was able to sell. With Emma’s keen eye, she was able to discern the valuable items from the junk. Grandpa refused to admit that he would ever buy something that held no value so everything stayed put and even the fine furniture, lamps and vases were hidden beneath a layer of dust and junk.

It was nearing the end of March during an early spring snowstorm when Grandpa took his last breath. Emma was sad but she knew Grandpa was in a better place and would be reunited with his beloved wife, Flora. After the memorial service, the townspeople met at the General Store with everyone bringing their favorite dishes. Music was playing in celebration of life that was fitting for the jolly fellow who loved a bargain.

Emma hadn’t thought much about what was going to happen to the store or the building her grandfather had left behind much less the contents. Mr. Wilson pulled Emma aside and informed her that he held the deed on the property and he would be taking possession of the entire building the following Monday. Emma couldn’t believe her ears. This was Grandpa’s store, he had built it with his own hands from the ground up. He and Grandma had lived in the quarters above the store from the first day they had become husband and wife. Mr. Wilson, with a smirk on his face showed Emma the deed that was signed over to him just a week before. Emma knew Grandpa wasn’t thinking clearly but didn’t realize the extent of his deterioration. The document was signed and sealed and the witnesses included the names of Mr. Wilson’s checker playing friends. Emma recalled overhearing Mr. Wilson ordering several new and very expensive fishing poles in the last few weeks. Now she knew who the recipients of those fishing poles were. Mr. Wilson also told Emma that the contents of the building must be moved out by 8:00 on Monday or everything would be destroyed and she would be paying the cost of the removal.

An Unusual Engagement

 

It's December and the Christmas activities in Camden Corners are in full swing. Luke and Molly Shannon put on another memorable Christmas Program at the Rialto Theater. Becky Bentley had a featured part in the production. Becky had a wonderful singing voice and now that she was speaking and singing again it was obvious she was a very talented little girl. Becky was unable to speak after several tragic events happened in her young life.

The children decorated the giant spruce tree in the town square as the townsfolk gathered to sing Christmas carols and Santa handed out packages for the children to take home. Chris Pringle made the perfect Santa accompanied by Mrs. Santa or Priscilla Pringle as the town knew her. Luke continued his tradition of donating toys to the children. He couldn't bear the thought of a child not having at least one gift for Christmas. Thanks to Nettie Crowley and her friends, he was no longer burdened with the full expense of the toys. That was a good thing because he and Molly were expecting their own child in the spring.

The children were practicing for the Christmas pageant at St. Peter's Church on Christmas Eve. Everyone was busy shopping for that special gift and baking their favorite Christmas treats.

Reggie Blackburn had his hands full in his construction business. So far the weather had been good. His crew had just finished the outside walls and roof of the winery and were working rapidly to complete the exterior of the hospital before the snow began to fall. They were succeeding in their quest but Reggie was not about to let his crew work long hours without working right along side of them. Josie missed her husband but didn't expect any less of him. His dedication to a job well done was one of the many reasons she loved him.

Josie had recently established the Camden Corners Chronicle. Randy Burke was her right hand man. Randy didn't know any more about publishing a newspaper than Josie did but together they were learning. Arthur Preston, the new editor of the Greensboro News was a big help to them. Arthur liked Josie and Randy and wanted to see them succeed. He felt a certain responsibility for the actions of his former boss, Harvey Wilson, who tried his best to sabotage the first edition of the paper.

Josie had written an editorial about a special family she had met recently in Virginia. Zeke and Effie Dalton lived at the base of Dalton's Mountain with their two sons, John and Ben. Josie hadn't known what to expect when Reggie decided to pay Zeke a visit. She had heard horror stories about how mountain people lived and was a bit nervous about meeting them. She couldn't have been more wrong. Zeke and Effie lived in a lovely old farmhouse that had been built by Zeke's kin years before. Zeke prided himself on the exceptional lumber he sold. They lived very frugally. Effie put up vegetables from her garden and fruits from the trees and bushes on the land. Zeke and the boys hunted and fished all year long. Effie and Josie hit it off immediately. Although the visit was not a lengthy one, Josie left Dalton's Mountain knowing a friendship had developed between them that would last a lifetime. At the end of the column, she asked her readers to submit their own stories of people who had come into their lives and made a difference. As many as possible would be published throughout the month.

Polly Cooper finished reading Josie's column. She was touched by her words and immediately sat down to write about her own saviors, Nettie and Oscar Crowley. Polly had been taken advantage of by a young man who was under the mistaken impression that Polly's father, Marlin Cooper was a wealthy man who would give up his land for his daughter. James Philpot arranged a bogus marriage between them and then tried to weasel money out of the old man. What James didn't know was that next to Harvey Wilson, Marlin Cooper was the meanest man in town. James admitted that his marriage to Polly was a sham but not before she was expecting a baby. Marlin marched his daughter off to an aunt with the intention of sending the baby to an orphanage as soon as it was born. Polly managed to escape her aunts house and found her way to Camden Corners where she knew her favorite teacher, Nettie Dawson had moved. Nettie took her and baby Faith into her home and heart. Shortly after that Nettie and Oscar were married and the four of them became a family.

Randy Burke fell in love with Polly and Faith the minute he laid eyes on them. They had been inseparable since their first meeting but Polly, who had been emotionally mistreated by both her father and her so called husband, was reluctant to commit to Randy. Randy was a patient man and was willing to give her all the time she needed.

Polly wrote her story and turned it over to Josie. Josie thought it was the most beautiful tale she had ever heard. She could feel the love pouring out on the paper and knew it had to be published in the next edition.

Several days later Marlin Cooper walked into Shaky's Bar & Grill. He liked Shaky's because nobody bothered him there. He would sit in the corner booth, grab a day old paper and drink himself into a stupor until it was time to go home to his long suffering wife and children. Marlin picked up the paper.

“What's this rag” he said out loud to no one in particular as he read the heading Camden Corners Chronicle.

His eyes went directly to the name at the bottom of an article Polly Cooper, Camden Corners Resident.

Marlin could feel his blood pressure rise as he swigged one double bourbon after another. The other patrons of the bar could hear him talking to himself but decided to just let him be. Marlin was known to get violent when he drank.

“I thought I'd heard the last of that harlot. The ungrateful twit left the loving home of my dear sister to go off with her little brat to that snoopy school teacher. That woman gave me trouble when Polly was in school. She kept telling me the kid was too smart not to go to college. College? I didn't even want her to go to high school but at least it got her out of the house part of the day. She was a real pain always telling her mother she should leave and take the other kids with her. No respect. She didn't give me no respect. Well, we'll just see who she respects now. I wonder how much money I could get for that little brat of hers. Sure she's older now but some people like older kids.”

Marlin got up from the table with the Chronicle in hand. He walked out without saying goodbye to anyone. Nobody was sorry to see him go. Schultz, the bartender wished there was some way he could keep the man out of the bar. He gave him the creeps.

Marlin went directly to the train station and bought a ticket to Camden Corners. He slept on the train and woke up thirsty. Before finding a bar he would find this fancy Crowley house and drag his kid home where she belonged.

Even after several days, Nettie Crowley would still tear up when she thought of the beautiful piece Polly had written about her life in Camden Corners. Nettie knew Polly was grateful to her but Nettie loved Polly and Faith and considered them her own family.

She had just finished setting the table for a quiet dinner at home. Faith had recently mastered walking and was scampering all over the dining room. Oscar entered and picked the little girl up to swing her around. She giggled as he tickled her belly.

Faith was born in the back bedroom of her great aunt's house. Polly had been treated with disdain by her aunt the whole time she was there. Polly knew she had to get away from the house with Faith and wrapped her newborn in a thin blanket before boarding the train to Camden Corners. After reaching Camden Corners she found a small chapel where she stopped and rested. Her prayers were answered when Nettie entered the chapel that fateful day just over a year ago.

Polly and Randy arrived at the Crowley home together. Polly was taking classes to become a teacher like her benefactor. Faith squealed when she saw her mother and Randy. Polly put little Faith in her high chair and they all settled down to eat their dinner when the doorbell started ringing and there was pounding on the door.

“I know you're in there you little tramp. Open this door or I'll kick it down.”

Polly thought her heart would stop beating. She knew that voice. She would never forget it.

“It's my father.” she cried.

Oscar quietly got up from his chair and went to the door.

“May I help you sir?” he said

“Yeah, give me my daughter and her kid and I'll be on my way.”

Oscar reluctantly allowed the man to enter his home. He could smell the stale booze on him and knew he was still drunk. There was no telling what the man would do and he'd heard Nettie repeat some things she'd heard about him in Greensboro. Now be believed those stories were correct.

Before Marlin could make his way into the house, Polly picked up Faith and handed her over to the housekeeper.

“Trudy, please take Faith out the back door and to Emma and Richard's house. Tell Richard what is going on here. They will know what to do.”

Randy stood by Polly's side when this crazed man who was her father walked into the room.

“There you are. Pretty proud of yourself aren't you? Living here in this fancy house. Where's the kid?”

“Hello to you to father. I can see you are still the charming man I remember so fondly.” Polly said sarcastically.

“Got a mouth on ya still, don't ya. I'll get rid of that once I get you home now get that kid of yours and let's go.”

Randy fumbled in his pocket and took Polly's left hand as he slipped a ring on her finger. Polly's eyes opened wide. The ring wasn't a total surprise to her but why on earth would Randy pick this time to give it to her?

Randy stood tall, stepped forward and extended his hand to Marlin.

“How do you do sir, I'm Randy Burke and I'm engaged to your daughter. I hope you will give us your blessing”

“Engaged! Why would you want to marry the girl. She is soiled goods you know.”

Oscar put his hand on Randy's arm because he could feel the boy was going to explode if he didn't calm down.

“I love your daughter sir. She is a wonderful young woman and you and your wife can be very proud of the life she is making for herself and her daughter. It will be an honor to be married to Polly.”

“You people are all crazy. I don't know what you like about her. She won't show you any respect. You just wait and see. Right now I want to see the brat.”

“She is not here and since you have no claim to me I suggest you leave right now. Go back to your happy little home. I know you won't but I wish you would tell my mother and brothers and sisters that I love them. If there was some way I could save them from you I would.”

Just then Richard and Robert entered the house with Sheriff Mendenhall.

“Mr. Cooper, come with me. I'm arresting you for public intoxication. Maybe tomorrow you will feel the urge to apologize to these fine people.” The sheriff put the handcuffs on Marlin and walked him out of the house.

“You'll pay for this Polly. I'll be back.” He dropped the copy of the paper with Polly's words staring back at her.

“I never imagined he would ever see this” she cried. “I'm so sorry he came into your house, Oscar. I didn't think he could get any worse than he was a year ago but I was wrong. Oh Randy, I wish I could get my mother and the other children away from him. I just don't know how.”

Trudy came back and started clearing the table of still full plates. Everyone had lost their appetite. Oscar proceeded to pour everyone a brandy including Trudy who was still shaking from fear.

Emma and Lily came in through the back door with Faith who was oblivious to all that was going on. Lily was the first to notice the ring on Polly's hand.

“What have we here?”

Polly looked down at her finger and for the first time she saw the beautiful ring Randy had slipped on her finger.

“Guess it's time to ask if you will marry me? How could you possibly turn me down with all these people waiting for your answer.”

“Randy, this isn't the first mess you have gotten me out of. Are you sure you want a wife who always seems to be more trouble than she's worth?”

“I'll take you any way I can get you. Now, are you going to marry me?”

“Yes!”

Everyone started clapping and singing and sipping a little more brandy. Faith was still in Emma's arms and was clapping along with everyone else. She was smiling and giggling and suddenly reached her arms out to Randy and said

“Da da”

Secret Weapon

 

After reading his Pa's journal, Dusty was even more certain Al Blanchard's fall from the scaffolding of the job site in Greensboro was not an accident. He was also certain that the man responsible was Leo Carlisle. Dusty knew Leo's threats were to be taken seriously and his mother was in serious jeopardy if Dusty didn't do exactly what Leo told him to do.

Dusty was surprised Ernie Black gave him a job on the hospital project. He couldn't hide his nervousness. He couldn't stop thinking about his Pa's fate and what may lay ahead for Ma. He knew Ernie only hired him because of his father and shuddered to think what Leo would have done if he came home without the job on the project.

Reggie went with Ernie back to the job site. Reggie told Ernie all about his visit to the Dalton Sawmill and let him know the first part of their order would be on its way in just a day or two. Ernie asked Reggie if Josie was feeling alright.

“She looked a little pale to me”

“Josie? She's just fine. Had a great time with Effie Dalton. If she didn't love Camden Corners so much, I don't think I could keep her away from Dalton's Mountain. Sure is beautiful country down there.”

In the meantime, Josie had her head over the commode in the McMillan home. Her mother was sympathetic but couldn't keep the smile off her face because it looked like she would be a grandmother very soon.

Josie joined her mother at the kitchen table.

“I wanted to ask you if you thought I might be expecting but I can tell by the look on your face that you suspect it too.”

“It's probably too soon to tell but maybe you should talk to your sister. I would guess you are suffering from morning sickness. I'll bet Reggie is beside himself.”

“I haven't mentioned it to Reggie. He is so preoccupied with troubles with the lumber order. I want his full attention before I let him know he might be a father in a few months.”

Reggie and Ernie were in Reggie's office discussing how the order could possibly have been switched. Ernie was quiet for a moment and then spoke up.

“I was walking from the wagon across the street when a fellow bumped my arm. I remember thinking it was odd because there was plenty of room for him to walk by me without running into me. The envelope dropped to the ground and he picked it up and handed it to me. Our eyes met and I remember feeling a chill for a moment. I then walked over to the Post Office and handed the envelope to Jackson Parker. We chatted for a few minutes and I returned back here.”

“Let's start with Jackson Parker.” said Reggie “We'll have him look at his log and see where that envelope actually went.”

They rode to the Post Office. Reggie noticed Josie and her mother were going into the doctor's office next door to the McMillan house. He didn't think anything about it since they were all in the family.

Jackson brought out the log and scanned the pages until he came to the one that named the recipient as Dalton Mills, Box 808, Pineville, NY.

“I'm sorry boss.” Ernie said quietly “It was so careless of me not to check that envelope. I should have known something was fishy about that guy. It was all my fault. I cost Miss Lucinda a bundle of money. I will have my resignation letter on your desk first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Ernie, you will do no such thing. It wasn't your fault. Why would you even look at the envelope? You had no way of knowing someone was on the lookout for you. I just wonder how this Carlisle guy knew that order was going out at that time and knew you would have it in your hand when he bumped into you. I'm afraid we may have a spy in our organization.”

The crew was called back to the job the following morning. Dusty thought he saw Leo standing next to the light pole as he walked from the worker's camping grounds to the job site. He knew he had to let Mr. Blackburn know what Leo was capable of but the veiled threat against his Ma was constantly on his mind. An hour later, Dusty tripped over his tool box hurting his arm and was taken to see Doctor Tom Campbell.

Tom entered the examining room just as Dusty was removing his jacket without any obvious pain.

“Sorry Doc I didn't hurt myself, I just needed to talk to you or your wife or Doc McMillan. I know you are related to Mrs. Blackburn and I have to get some information to her husband without anyone knowing.

Tom was leery of the boy but willing to listen to his explanation. Dusty showed him the journal. Tom knew of the recent mix up with the lumber and that Reggie was very worried about who was sabotaging the hospital project.

“Has this Leo Carlisle threatened you Dusty?” Tom asked after he had read a few of the incriminating pages.

“No sir, not me. He has cast some kind of spell over my mother and he has hinted that harm will come to her if I don't do as he tells me. So far he hasn't told me to do anything except sign up to work on this job.

Tom wrapped the boys arm and placed a sling around his neck.

“We will say you have a sprained arm. That way if Leo sees you he won't be suspicious. My wife and I are expected at the Blackburn house this evening for supper. I will give the journal to Reggie then. Dusty, you are a brave young man. I didn't know your Pa but I'm sure he would be very proud of the way you are handling this situation.”

Dusty was walking back to the job site when Leo slithered from behind a tree.

“Looks like you will be given a job in the office for awhile boy. That works out very well. You will be of more help to me there than out working in the field.”

Later that evening Reggie read over pages of Al Blanchard's journal. He was furious that the man was apparently murdered because of Leo Carlisle's greed.

“Ernie said the kid acted nervous. It's no wonder. From reading through the journal, it appears that Leo is either lurking around the job site of his current victim or he has intimidated someone else to do his dirty work.”

Josie spoke up “Reggie, do you remember that young girl we hired to do the filing and help with some of the paperwork? Her name was Pamela. I would find her crying at her desk almost daily. She never let on what was wrong and one day she simply didn't show up for work. She said she was staying with Evelyn Keys but when I checked with Evelyn, she had never heard of the girl. Maybe I should have looked into it further.”

“We need to get this information to Sheriff Mendenhall but I'm afraid Leo is watching every move we make. For Dusty's safety and his mother's we will have to be very careful.”

Doc McMillan who had been sitting quietly listening to the conversation said “I'm having breakfast with the Sheriff and Oscar in the morning. I'll make sure he gets the journal. Oscar will have some ideas too.”

The sheriff was indeed interested in Al Blanchard's journal and the implications. He had recently returned from a convention of area sheriffs and it seemed Mr. Leo Carlisle had been under suspicion in several cases. None of the cases had ever been resolved because witnesses were unwilling to implicate Leo in any of them.

“I'll check the whereabouts of Pamela Fuller. It sounds like she may have the proof we need to arrest Leo Carlisle. I'm sure the Sheriff in Greensboro would be interested to know that Al Blanchard's death may not have been accidental after all.

Josie really liked Dusty Blanchard. He was still very worried about his mother but he felt assured that Leo's reign of terror would be coming to an end soon. Josie had told him not to worry. The matter was being handled. They never knew who might be listening so they limited their conversation about the matter.

Dusty was sleeping soundly in his bunk that evening when he was suddenly awakened with a poke to the ribs.

“Find the order for bricks and meet me in the park near the library tomorrow at 12:00. Bring your lunch, we'll have a picnic” Dusty couldn't mistake the evil cackle of Leo Carlisle.

Dusty reported Leo's demand the following morning. Josie quickly drew up an order with false information. She knew it would be impossible to fill the order even from a disreputable company but she hope when Leo was transferring the information to his own order forms he would not recognize the errors.

Josie was still suffering from morning sickness. Her sister had given her some medication to ease the nausea but she had left it at home this morning. Her stomach felt a little queasy but she was determined to fight it. She was sorry she had eaten so much last night but she was terribly hungry and she couldn't seem to stop herself from reaching for that second helping. She still hadn't told Reggie her news. She wanted it to be a special time for them and with the uproar with Leo and his shenanigans Reggie was still preoccupied.

There was a knock on the office door. Josie opened it to see Pamela Fuller standing there.

“Pamela, where have you been? You just disappeared and we had no idea where to find you.”

“I'm sorry Miss Josie, I have been dishonest with you and you were so kind to me. I met a fellow named Leo Carlisle. I've never had a beau before and he was so very charming I'm afraid after a few kind words I developed a crush on him. He wanted me to help him with a plan to swindle your husband and take money for himself. Oh, Miss Josie, I told him I couldn't do such a thing and suddenly he turned on me. What I thought was charm became pure evil. He threatened to hurt my dear Mama. I couldn't bear anything happening to her and I went along with his plan. I started working here and copied the lumber order and gave it to Leo. Leo bumped into Ernie on the street and exchanged the envelope with the bogus one. He then took the check made out to Dalton Mills and was able to cash it at the bank in Greensboro. I suspect he may have been blackmailing someone at the bank to illegally cash the checks. I felt so guilty all those times you found me crying but I couldn't tell you. I had confided in my cousin Muriel who lives in Pennsylvania. She arranged for my mother and me to board the train under false identities and come to stay with her. My mother passed away in her sleep last week. I decided to come back here and face my punishment. Now that my mother is safe with the Lord, I am no longer afraid of Mr. Leo Carlisle.”

Leo had been watching Ernie Black from across the street and hadn't noticed Pamela Fuller walking into the office until it was too late to stop her.

“I should have gotten rid of the insipid woman a long time ago” he whispered to himself.

Leo practically ran to the office door, put his ear to the door and listened as Julie spoke.

“You did the right thing Pamela, I'm very sorry about your mother but we will keep you safe from Leo. You stay here while I find Reggie. We will call Sheriff Mendenhall and have Leo Carlisle arrested.

Leo backed away from the door. They weren't going to catch him. His way out of town was right here in plain sight. Josie Blackburn was a fine looking woman and his insurance policy.

Josie was walking quickly to the construction area where Leo was talking with Ernie and a couple of the men. She felt the bile rising in her throat but had to get to Reggie before Leo got to Pamela. Suddenly she felt an arm around her waist and felt metal in her ribs. She wasn't surprised when she turned and her captor was none other than Leo Carlisle. She heard Pamela scream and Reggie shout her name. Leo was holding her tightly and was looking into her eyes when she couldn't hold back any longer. She regurgitated directly into Leo's face. He jumped back, dropped the gun and started retching himself. Leo had no qualms about killing someone in cold blood but couldn't take watching someone vomit. Especially when it was directed at him.

The crew wrestled Leo to the ground and held him there and hosed him down while they waited for the sheriff to arrive and haul him off to jail.

Reggie held Josie closely. “You have been doing that often lately. Do you think we should get you over to Doc's so he can check you out? A stomach flu shouldn't last this long.”

“It's not a stomach flu, Papa. I was waiting for a special time to tell you but I think our little baby just saved my life and I would say this is a very special time.”

Reggie picked her up and swung her around until he thought better of it. Josie was looking a little green at the moment. Instead he put his arm around her and walked her back into the office where she could rest after her ordeal.

Leo confessed to Al Blanchard's murder and several other crimes insuring that he would be spending the next 99 years in prison.

Pamela was exonerated from any criminal charges and went back to Pennsylvania where she met and married Arnold Swanson who charmed her in only good ways.

Dusty was welcomed with open arms upon returning to Greensboro. He became sought after whenever a new construction project began.